Groups in Bishkek target foreign students

LAHORE/ISLAMABAD:

Groups of assailants stormed the homes of foreign students in Kyrgyzstan’s capital, Bishkek, following a May 13 brawl between locals and Egyptian nationals, according to media reports on Saturday.

Some protesters blocked traffic and vandalized buildings. Security forces made several arrests, according to a statement issued by the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry.

Even Pakistani students were among those attacked by locals in the mob attacks and about 30 of them landed in Lahore on Saturday on a flight from Bishkek. The first batch of students was received by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed his deputy Ishaq Dar, who also holds the portfolio of the foreign ministry, and federal Kashmir minister Amir Muqam to travel to Bishkek on Sunday (today).

Initially, the prime minister decided to send only Muqam to Kyrgyzstan, but later asked Dar to accompany him. The two ministers will depart for Bishkek on Sunday morning on a special plane, according to a statement issued by the prime minister’s office.

According to the statement, the prime minister spent the whole day reviewing the situation and was also in touch with the Pakistani ambassador in Bishkek.

He added that despite the satisfactory situation now, it was decided to send this delegation to provide necessary support and facilities to the Pakistani students.

The two ministers will also discuss issues related to the repatriation of Pakistani students.
Kyrgyz police said they had mobilized forces in the capital to quell the violence, in which hundreds of local men attacked buildings housing foreign students, including Pakistanis.

The attack, police said, was caused by foreigners — whose nationality was not immediately clear — beating up locals in the town.

Kyrgyzstan is a popular destination for education, especially in the medical field, attracting a large number of students from the subcontinent, including Pakistan, Bangladesh and India.

Kyrgyzstan’s foreign ministry said the situation in Bishkek was under control. He added that the security forces maintained public order and ensured the safety of citizens.

While about 15 people sought medical attention, there were no serious injuries. In addition, the ministry said it “did not receive any messages about injured foreign citizens.”

Read Pakistan summons Kyrgyzstan envoy after mob violence

Pakistan’s embassy in Bishkek issued an advisory for its students and other internationals amid reports of mob violence in the city.

Several medical university hostels and private residences of international students, including Pakistanis, have been targeted.

Although there are reports of minor injuries to the Pakistani students, there are no confirmed reports of deaths or rapes.

Pakistani students in the Kyrgyz city of Kant — which is about 25 kilometers from Bishkek — said they were trapped inside their hostel and the dean of their university would not allow them to return to their country.

They added that there were several Pakistani students in the cantt and scared as the hostel had switched off the lights. They called on the Pakistani government to make arrangements for their return home.

In a related development, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has lodged a protest with the Kyrgyz government over the mob attacks. “The Kyrgyz authorities have expressed regret over the incidents of violence against foreign nationals, including Pakistanis in Bishkek last night. They have also pledged to investigate and punish the perpetrators,” according to a statement issued by the FO.

The Pakistani embassy has opened emergency helplines and is responding to queries from students and their families. Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic Hassan Ali Zaigham has been in close contact with senior authorities of that country.

According to Kyrgyzstan’s health ministry, four Pakistanis were treated and discharged, while one is being treated for a jaw injury.

Hours after reports of mob attacks, Kyrgyz embassy chargé d’affaires Melis Moldaliev was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for briefing by Director General (ECO & CARs) Aizaz Khan.

He was conveyed the deep concerns of the Government of Pakistan over reports of last night’s incidents against Pakistani students studying in the Kyrgyz Republic.

The Chargé d’Affaires of Kyrgyzstan was informed that his government should take all possible measures to ensure the safety and security of Pakistani students as well as other citizens residing in his country.

“The Government of Pakistan takes the issue of safety and security of its nationals around the world very seriously and will take all necessary steps to ensure their well-being,” the FO said.

(With input from agencies and news bureau in Karachi)